Maca History

If you are interested in learning about the history of maca root, you’re in the right place.   In this article we have a detailed look at the origins of this amazing food that shows so much potential for enhancing overall health and well-being.

An Introduction To Maca Root

Maca root (lepidium meyenni) is an important root vegetable in the mustard family. It is one of a very few crops that can be grown in inhospitable regions and at extremely high altitudes (up to 15,000ft / 4500 meters). Maca comes from the central Andes mountains of Peru and to this day the best quality and most effective maca is still cultivated there.  Although it can be grown in other climates, the medicinal root of maca is neither as large or as potent as when grown in the high Andes.   Compare maca grown in Peru vs. maca grown in China.

The indigenous people of Peru and Bolivia have used maca root as a staple food and traditional medicine for 1000s of years.   It is believed that people indigenous to the area began using maca themselves after they saw the positive effect that it had on their livestock, in terms of energy and especially fertility.  Over the past several decades maca’s popularity has spread worldwide as more people have begun to experience its benefits.   Research on maca is ongoing, but indicates that the root has several promising therapeutic effects.   Read more about maca root’s benefits.

What Is the Origin of Maca?

While maca root is a part of the brassica (mustard) family it is unique among all plants. In addition to a robust nutritional profile, maca contains special aminos called macaenes and macamides that are 100% specific to maca.   These nutrients are thought to be related to maca’s ability to help balance hormones.

While we don’t know exactly where maca came from or why it only grows natively in the high Andes, we do know that the oldest known maca comes from the Junin area of Peru, close to present day Cerro de Pasco.   This high mountain region is near lake Junin which provides what seems to be the ideal climate for the cultivation of maca roots.

How Long Has Maca Been Cultivated?

Archaeological evidence suggests that domestication of maca began about 2000 years ago in what is now present day Carhuamayo, Junin, and Óndores central Peru.  In the late 1990s a cave was discovered in which maca roots dating back several thousand years was discovered. In addition, there are still several remnants of stone storage facilities that the Pompush people (pre-Incan) used to store maca roots in the area.  

What Are The Historical Written References To Maca?

The first written references to Maca come from Spanish explorers and conquerors of the 1500s.

• In 1549 Juan Tello de Sotoy Mayor reportedly received maca fruits as a tribute and used them to improve the fertility of cattle he imported from Spain.
• In 1553, Cieza De Leon explained that natives used certain roots (maca) for maintenance.
• In 1572 it was recorded that maca has been used for barter since the Incan times
• In 1653 Father Cabo was the first to document the properties of maca. He referred to maca’s use for fertility and for nourishment in the high mountains.
• During the 200 year colonial period (1550-1750) it is reported that roughly nine tons of maca were demanded from the native population annually.
• Other literature from the Spanish conquest of America indicates that both indigenous and Spanish soldiers used high dosages of maca to prepare themselves for battle. One chronicle relates that maca was banned for use by some Spanish soldiers after battle because it heightened their libido too much.
• As a distinctive species, maca was first comprehensively described by Gerhard Walpers in 1843. Scientifically Maca is referred to as lepedium meyenii, Walp. The “walp” refers to Walpers. Later Tehllung (1906) gave the most complete taxonomic description of maca root.

How Is Maca Used?

Natives of Peru eat up to 20 grams of dried Maca for health improvements. Maca is a very nutritionally dense plant and extremely important to overall health in a region where little else grows. Maca is said to increase energy and stamina as well as to boost fertility and libido.

Maca In the Contemporary World

1964 was the first time that maca was introduced to a large-scale international audience, but it wasn’t widely accepted at that time. In fact, during the 1980s Maca cultivation reached record lows. But in the late 1990s Maca powder began to be used by health-conscious doctors and people outside of Latin America. From 2000 to 2010 Peru’s export of maca grew 5 fold, making maca powder one of the country’s top exports.

Today, maca root is a popular superfood around the world. It is commonly available in powder form, in capsules, in extracts and as an ingredient in various health foods, including maca coffee. Athletes and health-conscious individuals use maca for its benefits, such as increased stamina, improved fertility, and hormonal balance. Ongoing research continues to explore maca root’s full range of health benefits.

Conclusion on The History of Maca

From an ancient dietary staple to a modern superfood, maca’s rich history is a testament to its enduring value. As interest in natural and holistic health solutions continues to grow, maca root's legacy will continue serving as a bridge between ancient tradition and contemporary wellness.

As a small family company 100% dedicated to this amazing food, we are grateful to contribute to maca’s legacy.   Learn more about The Maca Team here.

If you have any questions, please contact us. We’re happy to help.